Some time ago I wrote a post describing 5 best ways to backup your files. But today I came  across a file backup and synchronization tool that is really worth mentioning – PureSync Personal. It’s reliable, very easy to use, and free.

Unlike some other similar tools, PureSync mainly focuses on local backups. For example, it’s great if you use an external hard drive to backup your files and you want to back up only files that have changed and not the whole thing. Yes, I know Vista and 7 have their own backup and sync tools, but PureSync is a lot easier to use, saves you lots of time and lets you use one program instead of two. Let’s have a closer look at it!

Features

1. Synchronization – PureSync supports local drives, server volumes such as \\MyServer\folder, some MTP devices. It also offers WebDAV support. PureSync can compare files by date, name, and by contents. It can synchronize several folders at once and supports files larger than 4GB. Another handy thing about it is that it detects conflict, e.g. if a file has been modified on both sides since the last backup. You can use a filter to sort through files and there is a restore option to undo any changes.

2. Backup – the tool can backup several files or folders at once, including subfolders. You can also choose to exclude some folders. Backed up files can be encrypted and compressed too. You can use either normal or mirror mode. If you don’t fancy doing manual backups, you can either schedule automatic backups, or choose to backup a certain file or folder whenever it gets modified.

3. FotoSync for digital cameras – this is a handy little option that allows you to download only new photos from the camera rather than the whole lot over and over again.

4. Windows Explorer integration – PureSync provides a quick and easy way to synchronize or backup by integrating into Windows Explorer context menu:

How to Use It

The interface is very clear, which make the tool very easy to use even for novice users. All the settings are available in the wizard and are very easy to understand. Here’s how to use PureSync:

1. Set up a profile
2. Select a mode – Synchronization, Backup, or Foto-Sync mode
3. 
4. Select files and folders you wish to backup and select a destination
5. 
6. Set up synchronization type – schedule, when a file is modified, when a connection is found, or manual.

PureSync runs on Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP, Vista and Windows 7 including the 64 bit versions. The latest version was release on the 17th of June, 2009. The software (and the website) are originally in German, so don’t freak out if you encounter spelling errors in the English version!

Photo by Oskay

If you ask me what is the worst thing that can happen to you and your computer, my answer is losing all your data. Just imagine all your banking, taxes, personal files, music, photos – everything being lost in just one disastrous moment. Sounds scary! The answer is pretty simple – backup your files regularly.

In this post I’m going to share with you 5 ways to backup your data. Choose the ones that you like best.

1. Use a USB Thumb Drive

Everyone uses USB flash drives. They are small, extremely easy to use, and inexpensive. They are excellent for backing up your most important files. However, if you want to backup a lot of data and need more space, an external hard drive is a better option.

2. Get an External Hard Drive

An external hard drive is a great storage solution, that has enough room for all your stuff.  And it’s pretty small, too, so you can take it with you when you’re travelling. Also an external hard drive is very easy to use – simply connect it to your computer using a USB cable and drag and drop your files.

3. Online Storage

In my opinion, two major advantages of online storage are a) being able to access them from any computer with Internet connection and b) protection from any local harm, including theft, floods, fires, etc. There are many free services, including Windows Live SkyDrive.

4. Backup Your Files Automatically

An interesting backup solution is offered by Clickfree – automatic backup. Basically, all you have to do is insert their DVD/plug in their external hard drive or thumb drive and it will automatically find your important files and save them.

5. Get an UPS

Right, this is not really a backup method, but an Uninterruptible Power Supply can save your files. Did you know that a lot of data loss happens because of power cuts and power surges? An UPS will protect you from that. And most of them come with special software that securely shuts down your computer in case of power cut, thus ensuring that it won’t be harmed in any way.